1-800-fla-keys ~ keys.com - fla fla-keys.com ~ 1-800-fla-keys THE FLORIDA KEYS Most people know the Florida Keys and Key West as a great getaway. One of the most unique places on earth. Calm. Serene. Laid back. Just the right setting to recharge your batteries and rejuvenate your spirits. But a getaway to the Florida Keys and Key West is much more than peace and quiet. And not just because of the legendary fishing and the world’s most spectacular dive sites. The Keys mean history. Art. Theater. Museums. Shopping. Fine dining. Entertainment. And much more. All told, 120 miles of perfect balance between natural beauty and extra-ordinary excitement. Between relaxation and activities. Between the quaint and the classic. And you’ll find our accommodations just as diverse as our pleasures. From some of the best camping spots in the country to luxurious hotels. From charming bed-and-breakfasts to rustic, family-owned lodgings. In other words, we’ve got something for everyone. In the next few pages you’ll get to know what your Florida Keys vacation can and will be like. What you’d expect. And what will surprise you. Our fame and our secrets. We figured we owed it to you. After all, we wouldn’t want you to get here and wish you had booked just a few more days. Use these color codes to go directly to the information or accommodations for a specific district. KEY LARGO ISLAMORADA MARATHON THE LOWER KEYS KEY WEST 1 O G R A L Y E K KEY LARGO DA R A MO L A IS HON R AT KE Y W MA EST BIG PINE KE Y & THE LOWER KE YS The moment you leave the mainland and cross into Key Largo, you’ll want to kick off your shoes and put your bathing suit on. And that’s just the perfect attire. Because Key Largo is the Diving Capital of the World. America’s most dazzling underwater parks and reefs are waiting for you here. From John Pennekamp State Park and the National Marine Sanctuary, to the crystal clear waters of Molasses Reef and the underwater caves of the French Reef. You can also explore the 510’ U.S.S. Spiegel Grove, which is one of the largest wrecks ever in divable U.S. waters. And if you want to take a break from diving, we’ve got great fishing here too. But there’s plenty more to do onshore. Like a family outing to Harry Harris Park. A visit to Dolphins Plus or Dolphin Cove where you can actually go swimming with these friendly and highly intelligent mammals. Or breathtaking ventures into the Everglades, which just happens to be in our backyard. You can also journey back to a simpler time in historic Tavernier and explore railroad stations, churches, pioneer homes, a school, and family-owned stores from the turn of the century. Or experience a bit of old movie magic checking out Bogey’s “African Queen” and locations where scenes from Key Largo and PT 109 were shot. For more information on Key Largo, visit the Chamber of Commerce at mile marker 106. Or simply call 1-800-822-1088. You can also e-mail us at [email protected] and visit our web site . 2 fla-keys.com/keylargo 3 O G R A L Y E K ISLAMORADA DA R A MO L A IS HON R AT KE Y W MA EST BIG PINE KE Y & THE LOWER KE YS Imagine. Two oceans full of the world’s most sought-after gamefish. Marlin, tuna and dolphin in our Atlantic. While the backcountry offers a grand slam shot at permit, tarpon, and bonefish. You’re now in Islamorada, the Sport Fishing Capital of the World. The variety of fish we have in our waters makes Islamorada a favorite of divers too. But here you can also catch fish on dry land. Like acrobatic dolphins and other deep sea stars at the Theater of the Sea, on Windley Key. Or cast your sight at the colorful collection of arts, crafts and other island treasures in the shops and galleries at Rain Barrel, on nearby Plantation Key. Perhaps you’d like to pick your own camping site, grab a fishing pole and kick back at Long Key State Park. Or explore the wild tamarind groves and Mexican sisals planted by Henry Perrine in Indian Key Historical Site. And if you feel daring, drop by Lignumvitae Botanical Site and ascend to the highest elevation in all the Keys - a dizzying 18 feet. To learn more about Islamorada or anything else here, stop by the Chamber of Commerce at mile marker 87. Or dial 1-800-322-5397. You can also e-mail us at [email protected] and visit our web site fla-keys.com/islamorada. 4 5 O G R A L Y E K MARATHON A AD OR AM SL I N THO AR A KE M Y WEST YS BIG PINE KE Y & THE LOWER KE Fly into our airport and you’re landing right in the Heart of the Keys. A place where pirates once roamed. Where the diving is clear and inviting. And fishing means record- breaking trophies. Archeological digs at Crane Point Hammock have revealed seven centuries of visitors, resi dents and natural treasures. And at the Museum of Natural History you can hike on nature trails that date back hundreds of years and enjoy a variety of exhibits and special events. The Dolphin Research Center, on nearby Grassy Key, was once the site of Flipper’s Sea School and where Flipper’s original 1950’s movie was shot. And while much of Henry Flagler’s railroad to Key West was destroyed by a hurricane, when you travel along our historic Seven Mile Bridge (which is actually 6.9 miles), you’re driving where Flagler’s mighty locomotives once roared. Of course, your visit here wouldn’t be complete without checking out the old conch houses on Pigeon Key, which is only accessible from the old Seven Mile Bridge. Or a nice, refreshing dip in the inviting waters of Sombrero Beach. Yes, Marathon is not only in the Heart of the Keys, it has more than plenty to steal your heart. For more information on Marathon, drop by the Chamber of Commerce at mile marker 53.5. Or call 1-800-262-7284. You can also e-mail us at [email protected] and visit our web site fla-keys.com/marathon. 6 7 O G R A L Y E K THE LOWER KEYS DA R A MO L A IS HON R AT KE Y W MA EST BIG PINE KE Y & THE LOWER KE YS It’s real. And breathtaking. The kind of natural beauty that doesn’t exist anywhere else. From our pristine waters to the spectacular Great Heron National Wildlife Refuge. Put on your gear and explore the incredible artificial reefs of the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, named after the HMS Looe which ran aground here in 1744. But while you marvel at certain reefs that nearly break the surface, please remember not to touch them. They’re protected. The Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge is home to several hundred miniature deer. If you want to see them, the best times are early morning and dusk. If you want to capture one, don’t forget to bring your camera. Of course, the fishing here is outstanding, especially in our huge backcountry. And so is kayaking and canoeing the inland waters at Watson’s Hammock. And if you want to find out what a gorgeous beach is really all about, visit Bahia Honda State Park and its camping areas, cabins, marinas and picnic grounds. For more information on Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys, visit the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce at mile marker 31. Or simply dial 1-800-872-3722. You can also e-mail us at [email protected] and visit our web site fla-keys.com/lowerkeys. 8 9 O G R A L Y E K KEY WEST A AD OR AM ISL ON KE ATH Y WE MAR ST BIG PINE KE Y & THE LOWER KE YS Whether you drive or fly into Key West, one thing’s for sure: there’s simply no place quite like it. An island city of palm-lined streets boasting Victorian homes, gingerbread conch houses and mansions on the National Register. John Audubon and Ernest Hemingway lived here. One had a passion for preservation. The other, a great zest for living. And that combination gives Key West its unique personality. The moment you get on world- famous Duval Street, in Old Town Key West, you do more than feel the ambiance. You become a part of it. Sure, Key West is dive shops and charter boats. And glorious sunsets. But it’s also a Bahamian Village. Historic Forts. Lighthouses. Theaters. Museums. Galleries. Festivals. Markets. Sidewalk cafes. Legendary pubs. Even Truman’s Little Whitehouse. (For a comprehensive listing, please see Attractions page.) You don’t need a car. Tour the city on foot or by trolley. Mingle with some of the world’s most fun-loving characters. And find some of the best- made cigars and aloe products anywhere. Key West is unique. And unspoiled. A feast for your heart and your soul. In short, if you’re planning on visiting Key West, plan on staying longer than anticipated. To learn all about Key West, stop by the Chamber of Commerce at 510 Greene Street in Old Town.